CROMWELL, Conn. – Tennis superstar Martina Hingis has forgotten the first rule of New York sports: The fans never forget.

After her boyfriend, Spanish golf sensation Sergio Garcia, received a cold reception from the gallery at last week’s U.S. Open in Bethpage, L.I., Hingis admitted at the Canon Greater Hartford Open that she was having an easier time with the crowd as she watched the golf there this weekend.

“I’m enjoying the crowd more than last week,” the Swiss Miss told The Post.

Hingis may wind up wishing she had bitten her tongue and had not tempted fate with the Big Apple’s temperamental sports lovers.

She is recovering from surgery on right ankle ligaments that will force her to skip Wimbledon, which starts tomorrow. But she could be back in the firing range of hecklers come September for tennis’ U.S. Open in Flushing, Queens.

At Bethpage last weekend, fans turned on Garcia after he commented that Tiger Woods, the eventual winner, was given special treatment by PGA tour officials. The crowd began taunting Garcia, the 22-year- old nicknamed “El Niño,” with chants including “Mr. Hingis” and “El Groucho.”

Hingis appeared to feel more comfortable in Hartford this weekend, blending into the crowd with ease while lobbing loving looks toward her boyfriend of six months. She described herself as a “supporter on vacation.”

When asked about her feelings for Garcia, Hingis said, “It’s private.”

The mixed-doubles pair have rented a house on the tournament grounds of the TPC at River Highland that includes a tennis court. The couple was spotted having a game on Thursday with the temperamental Garcia smashing his racket at one stage after missing a shot.

Some predict it may be the closest Hingis ever gets back to competitive tennis because of her serious injuries – and her newfound love.